Medeival Fair fries more than food

Crowds flocked to the Medieval Fair this weekend, enjoying sword fights, costumes and fair food; forgetting to pay attention to the blazing sun that left many participants beet-red at the end of the day.

Spring has arrived, and safety officials urge students to apply sunscreen to
protect their skin from hazardous ultra-violet rays.

Skin cancer has risen dramatically within the last decade, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Simple preventative action, such as applying sunscreen, could put a stop to potential sun damage, the foundation says.

Former OU student Talia Magrill did not apply any sunscreen before she attended the fair on Saturday.

"My back hasn't seen sunlight since 2008," Magrill said. "I was only out in the sun for a couple hours, and now I'll have tan lines until June," she said.

Students can purchase sunscreen at most retail locations. Dermatologists suggest applying an SPF 15 or greater, according to the American Melanoma Foundation.

Violence against women in Oklahoma

Violence against women in Oklahoma is significantly higher than other states, and represents negative cultural norms that exist because of it, a panel said Thurs night.

“1 domestic violence killing occurs ever 36 hours,” Linda Terrell said, panel member and executive director of Center for Children and Families, Inc.

5 female panel members, sponsored by The Xenia Institute and the OU Women’s Studies Program, gathered a large crowd to openly discuss female abuse that occurs within our state.

“This topic is such an important issue because it affects so many lives,” Terrell said. Many women afflicted with physical abuse suffer psychologically, as well as physically, and often times turn to alcohol and drugs, which could lead to prison, she said.

“Oklahoma incarcerates more women per capita than any other state in the U.S.,” said Sandy Ingram, panel member and attorney and social policy consultant.

The panelists urged students to take action in their community and engaged in open dialogue with the crowd during the second half of the event, which was devoted to group discussion in smaller, audience based groups.

“We need to change culture, change beliefs and pay attention to Okla legislature and politicians, making sure they adhere to our cultures and beliefs,” Ingram said.